This is just a thought experiment sort of idea. But a 'night mode' might be result better performing readers? Better performing him that there would be less white that needs to be eliminated and the lighting that's there might be perceived, or actually, to be more even lit?

FYI, by night mode I refer to a screen with white text on a black background.

Anyway that's just something different different that came to my mind. It's certainly nothing I've come across on an e-reader before. I can see where it probably would not have been relevant in a unlighted reader but in a front–lighted reader, who knows, some people might find it easier on the eyes.

(edit - sorry - slightly off topic. I should have made this a new thread)
Honestly, I have 2 PWs and I just can't see the draw of an e-ink screen. Aside from the obvious drawbacks, slow page turns, no color, and limited functionality, the only benefits I can see is the longer battery life - and that IS awesome - and possibly a lower price point, if you believe that lower price for a limited device is a better value.

I know people have said that "it feels more natural and easier on my eyes", but I can't see (not intended) how that is any different than an LCD screen with appropriately colored text and the right - slightly textured - background. Even the argument that "e-ink doesn't blast my eyes with photons" is kinda crazy when you consider all the new devices that are self-lit (not to mention that ALL seeing is the result of photons hitting your eyes...)

So, I guess I'm asking: What is it that people see in e-ink that is such a benefit over a more functional device with a good reading app installed??

So, I guess I'm asking: What is it that people see in e-ink that is such a benefit over a more functional device with a good reading app installed??

For me the benefits are:

1. Lower initial cost.
2. Much longer battery life. I can go 3 weeks without charging it. This is nice when I travel as I don't have to bring an extra cable.
3. Easier on my eyes. YMMV.
4. Less glare outside.

I can go 3 weeks without charging it. This is nice when I travel as I don't have to bring an extra cable.

And when you do need to carry the charger, it is a lot smaller. (I'm not sure if this is true in all cases, but the charger for my reader was about 1/3rd the size of the charger for my tablet.)

On top of that, readers are smaller and lighter than tablets in many cases. Screen size is one reason (6" seems common for eInk, while the comparable tablet is 7"), but I suspect that the structure of the LCD screen and size of the battery adds to the weight of tablets as well.

My KPW is much lighter than my iPad is - granted, I've got an iPad 1, which is heavier than the later models, but still the KPW is 2/3 the weight of an iPad 2, even with my KPW cover.

Also, I've been having fun playing with my iPad, and I do find that, after awhile, I get a headache from reading so much on it, and I don't get headaches reading on the KPW or my K3 or any other eink device. dunno if it's eye strain or what, but I can't see reading a book for hours on my iPad, and I regularly do on my Paperwhite with no problmes.

I see its benefits with a backlit display, but take away the backlight and I don't see the need. Then again I've always found light on dark to be preferable, so this may be my own bias leaking through.

(edit - sorry - slightly off topic. I should have made this a new thread)
Honestly, I have 2 PWs and I just can't see the draw of an e-ink screen. Aside from the obvious drawbacks, slow page turns, no color, and limited functionality, the only benefits I can see is the longer battery life - and that IS awesome - and possibly a lower price point, if you believe that lower price for a limited device is a better value.

I know people have said that "it feels more natural and easier on my eyes", but I can't see (not intended) how that is any different than an LCD screen with appropriately colored text and the right - slightly textured - background. Even the argument that "e-ink doesn't blast my eyes with photons" is kinda crazy when you consider all the new devices that are self-lit (not to mention that ALL seeing is the result of photons hitting your eyes...)

So, I guess I'm asking: What is it that people see in e-ink that is such a benefit over a more functional device with a good reading app installed??

I am nearsighted and usually read with my glasses off, holding the book maybe 12-14 inches away from my face. Before buying an eink reader, I looked at the Nook tablet (last year's model) and felt like I could see every pixel. I don't have this problem with eink.